Ex-bartender faces felony, accused of trying to swallow pills

A former bartender spotted reportedly "shooting up" who later tried to swallow some pills found in her purse was arraigned Tuesday in Huron County Common Pleas Court.

Justina M. Hall, 25, of 1471 Crescent Road, Greenwich, has a Nov. 29 trial scheduled. She is charged with tampering with evidence in connection with a Sept. 21 incident. If convicted of the third-degree felony, the former Norwalk resident faces nine months to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Huron County Prosecutor Russell Leffler said a motorist driving on U.S. 250 spotted Hall "shooting up" in front of a mobile home park. According to a report, the motorist said the woman was on the steps of an office building, sitting with a syringe to her arm.

The Huron County Sheriff's Office responded to the complaint.

"Her purse was brought out. She tried to lunge for some pills and tried to swallow them," Leffler said.

On Friday, a Huron County grand jury indicted Hall on tampering with evidence, which is punishable by nine months to three years in prison.

"Miss Hall has a serious drug problem. She is a hard working woman. There's a danger she'll go back to drugs if she's out (of jail)," Leffler told Huron County Common Pleas Judge Jim Conway.

After Tuesday's hearing, Hall was released on a personal recognizance bond. She is subject to random drug screens; Conway warned Hall that a positive test could result in her bond being revoked. The court appointed Charles Hall to represent her.